JPH01250111A - Unmanned carrier controller at intersection - Google Patents

Unmanned carrier controller at intersection

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Publication number
JPH01250111A
JPH01250111A JP63077025A JP7702588A JPH01250111A JP H01250111 A JPH01250111 A JP H01250111A JP 63077025 A JP63077025 A JP 63077025A JP 7702588 A JP7702588 A JP 7702588A JP H01250111 A JPH01250111 A JP H01250111A
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
intersection
vehicle
automatic guided
light
guided vehicle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
JP63077025A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Yasuo Kuchiwaki
安夫 口脇
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Toyota Motor Corp
Original Assignee
Toyota Motor Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Toyota Motor Corp filed Critical Toyota Motor Corp
Priority to JP63077025A priority Critical patent/JPH01250111A/en
Publication of JPH01250111A publication Critical patent/JPH01250111A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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  • Control Of Position, Course, Altitude, Or Attitude Of Moving Bodies (AREA)

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce the cost of facilities and at the same time to facilitate the layout change of a plant line by using a reflector at the ground side, an optical communication unit mounted on an unmanned carrier and a signal processing controller. CONSTITUTION:When two unmanned carriers A and B reach each prescribed position close to an intersection X, a light beam R emitted from a projector 5 of one of two optical communication units 3 mounted on each carrier is reflected by a reflector 1 at the intersection X. The reflected beam R reaches a photodetector 6 of a unit 3 of the other carrier. The signal processing controllers 4 of both carriers A and B judge the mutual priority orders based on the frequency characteristics of the beam R detected by the photodetectors 6 with each other. When it is judged that the carrier of the other side has a higher priority order than its own one, the driving operation of the carrier of its own side is discontinued. In such a constitution, only the reflector 1 remains at the ground side. As a result, the layout change of a plant line is facilitated and at the same time the cost of the facilities can be reduced.

Description

【発明の詳細な説明】 産業上の利用分野 この発明は、工場内等を無人走行する無人搬送車の走行
制御装置で、同一の交差点に進入する2台の無人搬送車
を交互に通過させて衝突あるいは接触を防止5する無人
搬送車の交差点制m+装置に関するものである。
[Detailed Description of the Invention] Industrial Application Field The present invention is a travel control device for an automatic guided vehicle that runs unmanned in a factory, etc., and allows two automatic guided vehicles entering the same intersection to pass alternately. This invention relates to an intersection control m+ device for automatic guided vehicles that prevents collisions or contacts.

従来の技術 走行ルートに沿って敷設された誘導線が交差している交
差点においては、同一の交差点に2台の無人搬送車が進
入した場合の無人搬送車同士の衝突や接触等の事故を防
止するため、例えば、特開昭54−22084号公報に
示されるような交差点制御が行なわれている。この交差
点制御は、本線と側線との2本の制ws!を、交差点の
近傍の交差する各誘導線に沿って敷設するとともに、こ
れら制御線の本線と側線とは、スイッチにより切換え、
ることによりいずれか一方に通電できるようになってお
り、前記各制御!ll線の本線と側線との分岐箇所付近
に設けられた車両進入検出器の一方が、無人搬送車の交
差点への接近を検出すると、先に交差点に進入した無人
搬送車を誘導する誘導線側の一方の制t11線の本線と
、他方の制御線の側線とに通電するように前記スイッチ
が作動し、前記先行する無人搬送車が交差点内に進入し
て通過する。
Conventional technology At intersections where guide lines laid along driving routes intersect, this prevents accidents such as collisions or contact between automated guided vehicles when two automated guided vehicles enter the same intersection. For this purpose, intersection control as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 54-22084 is performed. This intersection control is based on two lines: the main line and the side line! are laid along each guide line that intersects near the intersection, and the main line and side line of these control lines are switched by a switch.
By doing so, it is possible to energize either one of the above-mentioned controls! When one of the vehicle entry detectors installed near the branch point between the main line and the side line of Line ll detects an automated guided vehicle approaching an intersection, the guide line side that guides the automated guided vehicle that entered the intersection first The switch is actuated to energize one of the control lines, the main line, and the other control line, the side line, and the preceding automatic guided vehicle enters and passes through the intersection.

そして、他方の車両進入検出器が後続の無人搬送車の交
差点への接近を検出するが、交差点への接近が僅かでも
遅れていることにより制御線の側線側に通電されている
ため、交差点内へ進入できずに待礪する。そして、先入
した無人搬送車が交差点を通過し終ると前記スイッチが
切換えられて制御線への通電が逆となって、後続の無人
搬送車が交差点を通過するようにして、交差点への先入
車両優先で、交互に通過させることにより衝突等の発生
を防止している。
Then, the other vehicle approach detector detects the approach of the following automatic guided vehicle to the intersection, but due to even a slight delay in approaching the intersection, the siding side of the control line is energized, so the vehicle enters the intersection. Unable to enter, I had to wait. Then, when the first automated guided vehicle has passed through the intersection, the switch is switched and the power to the control line is reversed, allowing the following automated guided vehicle to pass through the intersection, and the first automated guided vehicle to enter the intersection. Priority is given to passing the vehicles alternately to prevent collisions.

また、特開昭57−74272号公報には、合流交差点
における無人搬送車の追突防止について示されている。
Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-74272 discloses prevention of rear-end collisions of automatic guided vehicles at merging intersections.

これは、交差点の手前に通過検出器をそれぞれ設け、交
差する一方の走路の通過検出器が先行の無人搬送車を検
出すると、他方の走行路を走行する無人搬送車に対して
停止信号が出力されて、交差点内への進入が阻止される
In this system, passing detectors are installed in front of each intersection, and when the passing detector on one of the intersecting routes detects the preceding automated guided vehicle, a stop signal is output to the automated guided vehicle traveling on the other intersection. will be blocked from entering the intersection.

そして、先行の無人搬送車が交差点を通過し終ると、前
記停止信号が解除されて後続の無人搬送車が交差点を通
過するようにして、同一交差点への2台の無人搬送車の
同時進入を規制して衝突等の事故が発生しないようにし
ている。
When the preceding automated guided vehicle finishes passing through the intersection, the stop signal is released and the following automated guided vehicle passes through the intersection, thereby preventing two automated guided vehicles from entering the same intersection at the same time. Regulations are in place to prevent accidents such as collisions from occurring.

発明が解決しようとする課題 しかし、前記した従来の交差点制御は両者の場合とも、
本線と側線とからなる制御1ID1車両進入検出器、切
換えスイッチ、停止信号出力手段等の地上側の設備が多
く、その構成が複雑となり、特に交差点制御の箇所が多
い構成のラインの場合には、設備費が多くかかるととも
に、地上側に設けられた設備が多いことから工場ライン
のレイアウトを容易に変更できない等の問題点があった
Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, in both cases, the conventional intersection control described above
Control 1 ID 1 consisting of main line and side line There are many ground side equipment such as vehicle entry detector, changeover switch, stop signal output means, etc., and the configuration is complicated, especially in the case of a line with a configuration with many intersection control points, There were problems such as high equipment costs and the fact that most of the equipment was installed on the ground side, making it impossible to easily change the layout of the factory line.

この発明は上記した技術的背景の下になされたもので、
地上側の設備を削減して設備費を低減できるとともに、
工場ラインのレイアウト変更の容易な無人搬送車の交差
点制御l]装置の提供を目的としている。
This invention was made against the above-mentioned technical background.
It is possible to reduce equipment costs by reducing equipment on the ground side, and
The purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic guided vehicle intersection control device that allows easy changes in the layout of a factory line.

課題を解決するための手段 上記課題を解決するための手段としてこの発明は、誘導
されて走行する無人搬送車の少くとも2本の走行路が交
わる交差点に対する無人搬送車の進入をflglJwJ
する無人搬送車の交差点制御]装置であって、一方の走
行路側から入射する光線を他方の走行路側に向けて反射
する反射鏡が地上側の交差点付近に設置されるとともに
、その反射鏡に向けて光線を照射する投光器が無人搬送
車に設けられ、また前記反射鏡によって反射して進行方
向前方側から照射される他車の発する光線を受光する受
光器が無人搬送車に設けられ、さらにその受光器で青だ
光線に基づく信号によって自車の走行・停止の制御を行
なう信号処理制御ll@置が無人搬送車にW1戟されて
いることを特徴としている。
Means for Solving the Problems As a means for solving the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a method for preventing an automated guided vehicle from entering an intersection where at least two travel paths of the guided automated guided vehicle intersect.
[Intersection Control for Automatic Guided Vehicles] In this device, a reflector is installed near the intersection on the ground side to reflect light beams incident from one traveling road side toward the other traveling road side, and a reflector is installed near the intersection on the ground side. The automatic guided vehicle is provided with a light projector that emits a light beam from the front side of the vehicle, and a light receiver that receives the light beam emitted by another vehicle that is reflected by the reflector and irradiated from the front side in the direction of travel. The automatic guided vehicle is characterized by a signal processing control system that controls running and stopping of the own vehicle using a signal based on blue light from a light receiver.

作   用 上記のように構成することにより、交差点に接近した際
に自軍の受光器により、他の無人搬送車の投光器から照
射された光線の検出を行ない、反射鏡に反射して進行方
向前方側から照射される前記光線が検出された際には、
同一交差点へ接近中の他の無人搬送車の存在を検知する
とともに、検出した光線に基づく信号により信号処理−
m+装置が自車の走行・停止の制御を行なう。そして、
走行を停止した場合には、他の無人搬送車が交差点を通
過し終るまで一定時間停止状態を保持し、−定時間が経
過すると走行を再開するようになっている。また、前記
検出を行なった際に、光線が検出されない場合には、前
方の交差点へ接近する他の無人搬送車がないと判断して
自車を停止させることなく交差点に進入する。
Function By configuring as described above, when the vehicle approaches an intersection, the light rays emitted from the projectors of other automatic guided vehicles are detected by the light receiver of the own army, and the light beams are reflected by the reflector and directed towards the front side in the direction of travel. When the light beam emitted from the
In addition to detecting the presence of other automated guided vehicles approaching the same intersection, signal processing is performed using signals based on the detected light beams.
The m+ device controls running and stopping of the own vehicle. and,
When the vehicle stops running, it remains stopped for a certain period of time until another automatic guided vehicle has passed the intersection, and resumes running after the certain period of time has elapsed. Further, if the light beam is not detected when performing the above detection, it is determined that there is no other automatic guided vehicle approaching the intersection in front, and the vehicle enters the intersection without stopping the own vehicle.

実施例 以下、この発明の無人搬送車の交差点制御p装置の実施
例を第1図ないし第5図に基づいて説明する。
Embodiment Hereinafter, an embodiment of the intersection control device for an automatic guided vehicle according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

第1図および第2図は、直交型の交差点における交差点
制御lll装置の一例を示すもので、交差点Xでは交差
する2つの走行路の幅方向でのほぼ中央に敷設された2
本の誘11+a、bが直交しており、一方(第1図にお
いて上下方向に向けて敷設された方)の誘導線aには、
無人搬送車Aが誘導されて第1図において上から下方へ
向けての一方向に無人走行し、また他方(第1図におい
て左右方向に向けて敷設された方)の誘導線すには、無
人搬送車Bが誘導されて第1図において右から左方へ向
けての一方向に無人走行するようになっている。
Figures 1 and 2 show an example of an intersection control device at an orthogonal intersection.
The guide lines 11+a and b of the book are perpendicular to each other, and one guide line a (the one laid in the vertical direction in Fig. 1) has
The automated guided vehicle A is guided to run unmanned in one direction from top to bottom in FIG. 1, and the other guide line (the one laid in the left-right direction in FIG. The automatic guided vehicle B is guided to travel unmanned in one direction from right to left in FIG.

そして、前記交差点制御lWA置は地上側に設置された
反射鏡1と無人搬送車に搭載された光通信ユニット3お
よび信号処理制御装@4とからなり、前記交差点Xの交
差点出口側のコーナ部(第1図において左下のコーナ部
)の所定の高さには、反射鏡1が前記各誘導線a、bに
対してそれぞれ45度の角度でかつ垂直に設置されてい
る。また、前記誘導@a、bに誘導されて走行する各無
人搬送車A、Bの各車体2の前面の左右に1対の光通信
ユニット3,3が、前記コーナ部に設置された反射鏡1
の中心と同じ高さで、それぞれ車体中心線に対して角度
αだけ外側へ向けて水平に取付けられており、前記各光
通信ユニット3は、投光器5と光電管等の受光器6とか
ら構成されている。
The intersection control IWA device consists of a reflector 1 installed on the ground side, an optical communication unit 3 and a signal processing control device @ 4 mounted on an automatic guided vehicle, and is located at the corner of the intersection X on the intersection exit side. At a predetermined height (lower left corner in FIG. 1), a reflecting mirror 1 is installed at an angle of 45 degrees and perpendicular to each of the guide lines a and b. Further, a pair of optical communication units 3, 3 are installed on the left and right sides of the front surface of each vehicle body 2 of each automatic guided vehicle A, B which runs guided by the guides @a, b, and a reflecting mirror installed at the corner part. 1
Each of the optical communication units 3 is installed horizontally at the same height as the center of the vehicle and facing outward at an angle α with respect to the center line of the vehicle body. ing.

また、前記投光器5は、無人搬送車Aと無人搬送車Bと
でそれぞれ異なる周波数特性を有する光線Rで、例えば
、無人搬送車Aの各投光器5は40にH2の点滅周波数
光を、また無人搬送車Bの各投光器5は30KH2の点
滅周波数光をそれぞれ進行方向前方側へ照射するように
なっている。また、前記両無人搬送車A、Bにそれぞれ
搭載されている信号処理制御装置4は、各無人搬送車A
、Bの受光器6がそれぞれ検出した光線Rの周波数特性
より、その検出した光、IIRが、外乱光または自車の
投光器が発した光線でないことを確認した後、その光1
1Rを発した投光器5を備えた無人搬送車Aまたは無人
搬送車Bが、自車に優先して交差点Xを通過させるべき
優先車両であるか、または自車を優先させるべき非優先
車両であるかを判断し、優先車両の投光器5が発した光
線Rと判断された場合には、自車の駆動装置が一定時間
停止するように制御し、また非優先車両の投光器5が発
した光線Rと判断された場合には、停止することなく交
差点を通過するように走行制御するようになっているも
ので、上記交差点制御装置の作用を次に説明する。
In addition, the light projector 5 emits a light beam R having different frequency characteristics for the automatic guided vehicle A and the automatic guided vehicle B. For example, each projector 5 of the automatic guided vehicle A emits a flashing frequency light of H2 at 40, and an unmanned guided vehicle Each light projector 5 of the transport vehicle B is configured to radiate a blinking frequency light of 30KH2 toward the front in the traveling direction. Further, the signal processing control device 4 mounted on each of the automatic guided vehicles A and B is
After confirming from the frequency characteristics of the light rays R detected by the light receivers 6 of , B, that the detected light, IIR, is not disturbance light or a light ray emitted by the own vehicle's floodlight, the light 1
Automatic guided vehicle A or automatic guided vehicle B equipped with a floodlight 5 that emits 1R is a priority vehicle that should be allowed to pass through intersection X before the own vehicle, or is a non-priority vehicle that should be given priority over the own vehicle. If it is determined that the light ray R is emitted by the floodlight 5 of the priority vehicle, the drive system of the own vehicle is controlled to stop for a certain period of time, and the light ray R emitted by the floodlight 5 of the non-priority vehicle is controlled. If it is determined that this is the case, the vehicle is controlled so that the vehicle passes through the intersection without stopping.The operation of the intersection control device will be described below.

第1図において、直交する誘導線a、bにそれぞれ誘導
されて2台の無人搬送装置A、Bが同一の交差点Xにそ
れぞれ接近して所定の位置(第1図の状態)に到達する
と、無人搬送車Aの一方(第1図において左方)の光通
信ユニット3の投光器5が発した光線Rの光軸が、交差
点Xに設置された反射鏡1に反射して他方の無人搬送車
8の一方(第1図において下方)の光通信ユニット3の
受光器6に到達するとともに、この無人搬送車Bの前記
受光器6と同側の投光器5が発した光線Rの光軸が、同
様に反射鏡1に反射して前記無人搬送車Aの前記投光器
3と同側の受光器6に到達する。
In FIG. 1, when two unmanned transport devices A and B are guided by orthogonal guide lines a and b, respectively, approach the same intersection X and reach a predetermined position (the state shown in FIG. 1), The optical axis of the light beam R emitted by the floodlight 5 of the optical communication unit 3 on one side (the left side in Fig. 1) of the automatic guided vehicle A is reflected by the reflector 1 installed at the intersection X, and is reflected by the other automatic guided vehicle. The optical axis of the light beam R emitted by the light receiver 5 of the automatic guided vehicle B on the same side as the light receiver 6 of the automatic guided vehicle B reaches the light receiver 6 of the optical communication unit 3 on one side (lower in FIG. Similarly, the light is reflected by the reflecting mirror 1 and reaches the light receiver 6 of the automatic guided vehicle A on the same side as the light projector 3.

そして、それぞれの受光器6が光MRを検出すると、前
記両無人搬送車A、Bにそれぞれ搭載された信号処理制
御装置4によって、それぞれ自重の受光器6が検出した
光線Rのデジタル信号処理が行なわれ、その検出した光
#Rの周波数特性より、外乱光または自重の投光器が発
した光線でないことが確認された債、周波数特性からそ
の光線Rを発した投光器5を備えた相手の無人搬送車A
または無人搬送車Bが、自車に優先して交差点Xを通過
させるべき優先車両であるか、または自車を優先させる
べき非優先車両であるかの判断を行ない、例えば、無人
搬送車Aが優先車両で無人搬送車Bが非優先車両の場合
には、無人搬送車Bは相手型が優先車両であると判断し
て、自車の走行部vJ装置が停止し、前記無人搬送車A
が交差点Xを通過し、さらに衝突の虞れが無くなる位置
まで進行するのに必要な一定時間経過した後、自動的に
発進するように走行制御される。一方、無人搬送車Aは
相手型が非優先車両と判断された場合には、停止するこ
となく交差点Xを通過するように走行制御される。
When each light receiver 6 detects the light MR, the signal processing control device 4 mounted on each of the automatic guided vehicles A and B performs digital signal processing of the light ray R detected by the light receiver 6 of its own weight. According to the frequency characteristics of the detected light #R, it was confirmed that it was not a disturbance light or a light beam emitted by a self-weighted projector. Car A
Alternatively, it is determined whether the automatic guided vehicle B is a priority vehicle that should be allowed to pass through the intersection X before the own vehicle or whether it is a non-priority vehicle that should be given priority, If the automatic guided vehicle B is a priority vehicle and the automatic guided vehicle B is a non-priority vehicle, the automatic guided vehicle B determines that the other vehicle is a priority vehicle, and the traveling unit vJ device of the self-vehicle stops, and the automatic guided vehicle B
After the vehicle has passed intersection X and a certain amount of time necessary for the vehicle to proceed to a position where there is no risk of collision has elapsed, the vehicle is controlled to start automatically. On the other hand, if the other vehicle is determined to be a non-priority vehicle, the automatic guided vehicle A is controlled to pass through the intersection X without stopping.

なお、上記の説明では各光線Rに光束の拡がりのないも
のとしたが、各投光器5から実際に照射される光1i1
Rは、到達−距離に比例して光束が一定の角度で拡がる
ため、一方の無人搬送車Aの投光器5が発した光線Rを
他方の無人搬送車Bの受光器6が検出できる範囲は拡大
し、また両無人搬送車A、Bがそれぞれ交差点Xへ接近
する際の時間的ずれがあっても検出が可能となり、交差
点X内での両無人搬送車A、8の接触等を防止すること
ができる。また、光線の検出可能な範囲を更に拡大する
方法どしては、例えば、交差点Xに設置する反射鏡1ど
して凸面鏡を用いる方法や、各無人搬送車A、Bの投光
器5または受光器6を水平方向に揺動させる方法等があ
る。
In addition, in the above explanation, each light ray R is assumed to have no spread of luminous flux, but the light 1i1 actually emitted from each floodlight 5
Since the light beam R spreads at a certain angle in proportion to the reach-distance, the range in which the light beam R emitted by the projector 5 of one automatic guided vehicle A can be detected by the receiver 6 of the other automatic guided vehicle B is expanded. In addition, even if there is a time lag when both automatic guided vehicles A and B approach intersection X, detection is possible, and contact between automatic guided vehicles A and 8 within intersection X can be prevented. Can be done. Further, methods for further expanding the detectable range of the light beam include, for example, a method using a convex mirror as the reflector 1 installed at the intersection There is a method of swinging 6 in the horizontal direction.

また上記の場合では、誤検出および誤動作を防止するた
めに、受光器6が検出した光線Rを信号処理料′a装置
4がデジタル信号処理し、その周波数特性から外乱光お
よび自車の投光器5が発した光線でないことを確認した
侵、互いに相手率が優先車両か非優先車両かの判断を行
なうようにしたが、各無人搬送車A、Bの受光器6に、
外乱光および自重の投光器5の発した光線を排除する機
能を持たせることにより誤検出および誤動作を防止する
ようにしてもよい。また、周波数特性の異なる点滅周波
数光の他に、色(波長)の異なる光線や偏光させた光線
等を用いて、外乱光および自重の発した光線と区別でき
るようにしてもよい。
In the above case, in order to prevent erroneous detection and malfunction, the signal processing device 4 processes the light ray R detected by the light receiver 6 as a digital signal, and from the frequency characteristics, the disturbance light and the own vehicle's light emitter 5 are processed. After confirming that the beam was not emitted by the vehicle, the two mutually decided whether the other vehicle was a priority vehicle or a non-priority vehicle.
Erroneous detection and malfunction may be prevented by providing a function of eliminating ambient light and light beams emitted by the light projector 5 due to its own weight. Furthermore, in addition to blinking frequency lights with different frequency characteristics, light rays with different colors (wavelengths), polarized light rays, etc. may be used so as to be distinguishable from disturbance light and light rays emitted by own weight.

また、交差する2つの走行路側に優先路と非優先路とを
予め決めておき、各走行路の交差点の手前に優先路と非
優先路の別を示すマークプレート等を配設して、このマ
ークプレート等を検出した際に、優先路側を走行する無
人搬送車のみが投光器を点灯するとともに停止せずに交
差点を通過し、また一方、非優先路側を交差点に接近中
の無人搬送車においては、マークプレートを検出した際
に、受光器により優先路側を走行する無人搬送車の投光
器から照射される光線の検出を行ない、光線が検出され
た場合に一定時間停止して、前記優先路側を走行する無
人搬送車が交差点を通過し終った後に発進して交差点を
通過するようにしてもよい。
In addition, a priority road and a non-priority road are determined in advance on the sides of two intersecting travel roads, and a mark plate or the like is placed before the intersection of each travel road to indicate the priority road or non-priority road. When detecting a mark plate, etc., only automatic guided vehicles traveling on the priority road side turn on their floodlights and pass through the intersection without stopping, while automatic guided vehicles approaching the intersection on the non-priority road side When the mark plate is detected, the light receiver detects the light beam emitted from the floodlight of the automatic guided vehicle traveling on the priority road side, and if the light beam is detected, the vehicle stops for a certain period of time and runs on the priority road side. After the automated guided vehicle has passed through the intersection, it may start and pass through the intersection.

また、第3図および第4図は別の交差点間mtWA贋の
例として、合流型の交差点Yおよび交差点2における交
差点−m装置をそれぞれ示すもので、第3図に示す交差
点Yにおいては誘導@Cに誘導s@dが合流しており、
前記誘導laCには優先車両である無人搬送車Cが誘導
されて走行するとともに、誘導線dには非優先車両の無
人搬送車りが誘導されて走行している。この交差点制御
装置は、地上側に設置された反射鏡11と、各無人搬送
車に搭載された光通信ユニット13I3よび信号処理料
a装置14とから構成されている。そして、交差点Yの
側方(第3図において下側)の所定の高さに前記反射鏡
11が各無人搬送車C,Dの進行方向に対してそれぞれ
所定の角度でかつ垂直に設置されている。また、前記各
無人搬送車C,Dの各車体12の前面の左右に前記1対
の光通信ユニット13.13が、前記反射鏡11の中心
と同じ高さで、それぞれ車体中心線に対して角度αだけ
外側へ向けて水平に取付けられており、各光通信ユニッ
ト13は、前述の直交型の交差点Xにおける交差点制御
装置の場合と同様に、互いに相違する周波数特性の光線
Rを進行方向前方へ照射する投光器と、受光器とから構
成されており、前記交差点Xにおける交差点制御]装置
の場合と同様に交差点Yにおける無人搬送車C,Dの走
行を制御して、交差点Yにおける接触あるいは衝突を防
止してスムーズな交差点制御が行なわれる。
In addition, FIGS. 3 and 4 show intersection-m devices at merging intersection Y and intersection 2, respectively, as another example of mtWA fraud between intersections. At intersection Y shown in FIG. Induction s@d joins C,
An automatic guided vehicle C, which is a priority vehicle, is guided and runs along the guide line laC, and an automatic guided vehicle, which is a non-priority vehicle, is guided and runs along the guide line d. This intersection control device includes a reflector 11 installed on the ground side, an optical communication unit 13I3 and a signal processing fee device 14 mounted on each automatic guided vehicle. The reflector 11 is installed at a predetermined height on the side of the intersection Y (lower side in FIG. 3) at a predetermined angle and perpendicular to the traveling direction of each of the automatic guided vehicles C and D. There is. Further, the pair of optical communication units 13.13 are arranged on the left and right sides of the front surface of each vehicle body 12 of each of the automatic guided vehicles C and D, respectively, at the same height as the center of the reflecting mirror 11, relative to the vehicle body center line. Each optical communication unit 13 is installed horizontally facing outward by an angle α, and each optical communication unit 13 directs light rays R having different frequency characteristics forward in the traveling direction, as in the case of the intersection control device at the orthogonal intersection X described above. It is composed of a light projector that emits light to the intersection, and a light receiver, and controls the travel of the automatic guided vehicles C and D at the intersection Y in the same way as the intersection control device at the intersection X, and prevents contact or collision at the intersection Y. This allows for smooth intersection control.

また、第4図に示す交差点Zにおいては誘導線eと誘導
@fとが互いに接近して合流しており、前記誘導@eに
は優先車両である無人搬送車Eが誘導されて走行すると
ともに、誘導sfには非優先車両の無人搬送車Fが誘導
されて走行している。
Further, at the intersection Z shown in Fig. 4, the guide line e and the guide @f approach each other and merge, and the automatic guided vehicle E, which is a priority vehicle, is guided and runs on the guide @e. , an automatic guided vehicle F, which is a non-priority vehicle, is guided and traveling along the guide sf.

この交差点−m装置は、地上側に設置された反射!12
1と、各無人搬送車E、Fに搭載された光通信ユニット
23および信号処理胴m+装置24とから構成されてい
る。そして、交差点Zの手前の萌記両誘導線e、f間の
中央の所定の高さに前記反射鏡21が各無人搬送車E、
Fの進行方向に対してそれぞれ所定の角度でかつ垂直に
設置されている。また、前記各無人搬送車E、Fの各車
体22の前面の左右に前記1対の光通信ユニット23゜
23が、前記反射鏡21の中心と同じ高さで、それぞれ
車体中心線に対して角度αだけ外側へ向けて水平に取付
けられており、各光通信ユニット23は、互いに相違す
る周波数特性の光線Rを進行方向前方へ照射する投光器
と、受光器とから構成されており、前述の交差点Yにお
ける交差点制御装置の場合と同様に交差点2における無
人搬送車E、Fの走行を制御して、前記合流型の交差点
Yにおける交差点制御装置の場合と同様に無人搬送車E
、Fの走行を制御し、交差点2における接触あるいは衝
突を防止してスムーズな交差点制御が行なわれる。
This intersection-m device is a reflection! installed on the ground side! 12
1, an optical communication unit 23 and a signal processing body m+ device 24 mounted on each of the automatic guided vehicles E and F. Then, the reflector 21 is installed at a predetermined height in the center between the Moeki guide lines e and f before the intersection Z for each automatic guided vehicle E,
They are each installed at a predetermined angle and perpendicular to the traveling direction of F. Further, the pair of optical communication units 23° 23 are installed on the left and right sides of the front surface of each vehicle body 22 of each of the automatic guided vehicles E and F, at the same height as the center of the reflecting mirror 21 and with respect to the vehicle body center line. Each optical communication unit 23 is installed horizontally facing outward at an angle α, and each optical communication unit 23 is composed of a light emitter that irradiates light rays R with mutually different frequency characteristics forward in the traveling direction, and a light receiver. Similarly to the case of the intersection control device at the intersection Y, the travel of the automatic guided vehicles E and F at the intersection 2 is controlled, and the automatic guided vehicle E is controlled as in the case of the intersection control device at the merging type intersection Y.
, F, and prevent contact or collision at the intersection 2, thereby providing smooth intersection control.

なお、ここで交差点への進入優先順位を決める他の方法
として、各交差点において交差する2つの走行路のいず
れか一方を優先路とし、いずれか他方を非優先路とした
場合の交差点制御の一例を第5図に示す交差点制御プロ
グラムのフローチャートに基づいて説明する。
As another method for determining the priority order of entry into an intersection, here is an example of intersection control in which one of two travel roads that intersect at each intersection is designated as a priority road, and the other is designated as a non-priority road. will be explained based on the flowchart of the intersection control program shown in FIG.

ステップ1において交差点区間以外の区間を走行中にス
テップ2で交差点を示すマークプレートの検出を行ない
、マークプレートが検出されない場合には検出されるま
で前進および検出を繰返す。
While the vehicle is traveling in a section other than the intersection section in step 1, a mark plate indicating an intersection is detected in step 2. If a mark plate is not detected, the forward movement and detection are repeated until it is detected.

また、ステップ2でマークプレートが検出された場合に
はステップ3に進む。
Further, if a mark plate is detected in step 2, the process proceeds to step 3.

ステップ3においては、ステップ2で検出したマークプ
レートの情報から走行中の走行路が、前方の交差点区間
において優先路か非優先路かの判断を行ない、自車が優
先路を走行する優先車両の場合はステップ4に進む。
In step 3, based on the information on the mark plate detected in step 2, it is determined whether the road on which the vehicle is traveling is a priority road or a non-priority road in the intersection section ahead, and the vehicle is determined to be a priority road when the vehicle is traveling on the priority road. If so, proceed to step 4.

ステップ4に進むと、搭載した投光器のスイッチがON
し、投光器より光線が進行方向前方に照され、ステップ
5に進む。
Proceeding to step 4, the installed floodlight switch is turned on.
Then, a light beam is emitted from the projector in the forward direction of travel, and the process proceeds to step 5.

ステップ5では、交差点区間の終了を示すマークプレー
トの検出が行なわれ、マークプレートが検出されない場
合には検出されるまで前進および検出を繰返す。また、
ステップ5でマークプレートが検出された場合には、ス
テップ6に進んで投光器のスイッチがOFFされ、交差
点区間以外の区間の走行が行なわれる。このように投光
器を交差点区間のみで点灯することにより、外乱光とな
るのを防止するとともに節電を図っている。
In step 5, a mark plate indicating the end of the intersection section is detected, and if a mark plate is not detected, the forward movement and detection are repeated until it is detected. Also,
If a mark plate is detected in step 5, the process proceeds to step 6, where the light projector is turned off and the vehicle travels in a section other than the intersection section. By turning on the floodlights only at intersections in this way, disturbance light is prevented and power is saved.

また、前記ステップ3において、検出したマークプレー
トの情報から走行中の走行路が、前方の交差点区間にお
いて非優先路となり、自車が非優先路を走行する非優先
車両と判断された場合にはステップ7に進んで走行を停
止してステップ8に進む。
In addition, in step 3, if it is determined that the current road is a non-priority road in the intersection section ahead based on the information of the detected mark plate, and the own vehicle is determined to be a non-priority vehicle traveling on the non-priority road. Proceed to step 7, stop traveling, and proceed to step 8.

ステップ8に進むと、受光器により優先車両の投光器か
ら照射される光線の検出が行なわれ、光線が検出されな
い場合には、同一の交差点に進入しようとする優先車両
は存在しないことになるが、安全確認のため、ステップ
12に進んでカウンタによりカウントを行ない、そのカ
ウンタ値χと予め設定されたlaとをステップ13で比
較する。
Proceeding to step 8, the light beam emitted from the priority vehicle's floodlight is detected by the light receiver, and if the light beam is not detected, it means that there is no priority vehicle attempting to enter the same intersection. To confirm safety, the process proceeds to step 12 where a counter is counted, and the counter value χ and a preset la are compared in step 13.

その結果が、χくaの場合にはステップ8に戻り、また
χ≧aの場合にはステップ11に進んで停止を解除して
通常の走行を再開する。すなわち、カウンタ値χが設定
11aになるまでの間、停止状態を維持し、その間に受
光しなければ走行を再開する。
If the result is χ×a, the process returns to step 8, and if χ≧a, the process proceeds to step 11 to cancel the stop and resume normal running. That is, the stopped state is maintained until the counter value χ reaches the setting 11a, and if no light is received during that time, the vehicle resumes running.

また、前記ステップ8において、優先車両の発する光線
が検出された場合には、ステップ9に進み、タイマによ
る経過時間の計測が開始されてステップ10に進む。
If the light beam emitted by the priority vehicle is detected in step 8, the process proceeds to step 9, where the timer starts measuring the elapsed time, and the process proceeds to step 10.

ステップ10では、前記タイマにより計測された経過時
間yが、優先車両が交差点を通過し終るのに必要な時間
として予め設定されている値す以上か、または設定値す
より小さいかの比較を行ない、y<bの場合には経過1
1i?間yが値すと等しくなるまで前記タイマによる経
過時間の計測を行なう。そして、ステップ10において
y≧bとなるとステップ11に進み、停止が解除されて
通常の走行を行なう。
In step 10, a comparison is made to see if the elapsed time y measured by the timer is greater than or equal to a preset value as the time required for the priority vehicle to complete passing through the intersection, or less than a preset value. , if y<b then progress 1
1i? The elapsed time is measured by the timer until the time interval y becomes equal to the value. Then, when y≧b is satisfied in step 10, the process proceeds to step 11, where the stoppage is canceled and normal running is performed.

発明の詳細 な説明したようにこの発明の無人搬送車の交差点制御装
置は、一方の走行路側から入射する光線を他方の走行路
側に向けて反射する反射鏡が地上側の交差点付近に設置
されるとともに、その反射鏡に向けて光線を照射する投
光器が無人搬送車に設けられ、また前記反tsmによっ
て反射して進行方向前方側から照射、される他車の発す
る光線を受光する受光器が無人搬送車に設けられ、さら
にその受光器で得た光線に基づく信号によって自車の走
行・停止の制御を行なう信号処理制御p@置が無人搬送
車に搭載されている構成としたので、地上側の設備が反
射鏡のみとなり、工場ラインのレイアウト変更が容易と
なるとともに、設置i費を大幅に削減できるという効果
を有する。
As described in detail, in the automatic guided vehicle intersection control device of the present invention, a reflector that reflects light beams incident from one running road side toward the other running road side is installed near the intersection on the ground side. At the same time, the automatic guided vehicle is provided with a projector that emits a beam of light toward the reflecting mirror, and a light receiver that receives the beam of light emitted by another vehicle that is reflected by the anti-tsm and irradiated from the front side in the direction of travel. The configuration is such that the automatic guided vehicle is equipped with a signal processing control system that controls running and stopping of the own vehicle using signals based on the light beams obtained from the light receiver of the guided vehicle. The only equipment required is a reflector, making it easier to change the layout of the factory line and significantly reducing installation costs.

【図面の簡単な説明】[Brief explanation of the drawing]

第1図は直交型の交差点における交差点制御装置の構成
および配置を示す説明図、第2図は光通信ユニットの構
成を示す要部平面図、第3図および第4図はそれぞれ合
流型の交差点における交差産制6a装置の構成および配
置を示す説明図、第5図は交差点制罪プログラムのフロ
ーチャートである。 1.11.21・・・反射鏡、 3,13.23・・・
光通信ユニット、 4.14.24・・・信号処理制御
装置、 5・・・投光器、 6・・・受光器、 A、B
。 C,D、E、F・、1人搬送車、 a、b、c、d。 e、f・・・誘導線、 R・・・光線、 X、Y、Z・
・・交差点。 第1図 第2図 食先ぶ 第3図 第4図
Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration and arrangement of the intersection control device at an orthogonal type intersection, Fig. 2 is a plan view of main parts showing the configuration of the optical communication unit, and Figs. 3 and 4 are respectively at a merging type intersection. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration and arrangement of the intersection control device 6a, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the intersection crime control program. 1.11.21...Reflector, 3,13.23...
Optical communication unit, 4.14.24... Signal processing control device, 5... Emitter, 6... Light receiver, A, B
. C, D, E, F., single person carrier, a, b, c, d. e, f...guiding line, R...ray, X, Y, Z...
··intersection. Figure 1 Figure 2 Food first Figure 3 Figure 4

Claims (1)

【特許請求の範囲】[Claims] 誘導されて走行する無人搬送車の少くとも2本の走行路
が交わる交差点に対する無人搬送車の進入を制御する無
人搬送車の交差点制御装置であつて、一方の走行路側か
ら入射する光線を他方の走行路側に向けて反射する反射
鏡が地上側の交差点付近に設置されるとともに、その反
射鏡に向けて光線を照射する投光器が無人搬送車に設け
られ、また前記反射鏡によつて反射して進行方向前方側
から照射される他車の発する光線を受光する受光器が無
人搬送車に設けられ、さらにその受光器で得た光線に基
づく信号によつて自車の走行・停止の制御を行なう信号
処理制御装置が無人搬送車に搭載されていることを特徴
とする無人搬送車の交差点制御装置。
An intersection control device for an automatic guided vehicle that controls the approach of an automatic guided vehicle to an intersection where at least two travel paths of the guided automatic guided vehicle intersect, A reflector that reflects light toward the traveling road side is installed near an intersection on the ground side, and a floodlight that emits light toward the reflector is installed on the automatic guided vehicle. The automatic guided vehicle is equipped with a light receiver that receives light beams emitted from other vehicles that are irradiated from the front in the direction of travel, and further controls running and stopping of the own vehicle based on signals based on the light beams obtained by the light receiver. An intersection control device for an automated guided vehicle, characterized in that a signal processing control device is mounted on the automated guided vehicle.
JP63077025A 1988-03-30 1988-03-30 Unmanned carrier controller at intersection Pending JPH01250111A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP63077025A JPH01250111A (en) 1988-03-30 1988-03-30 Unmanned carrier controller at intersection

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP63077025A JPH01250111A (en) 1988-03-30 1988-03-30 Unmanned carrier controller at intersection

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
JPH01250111A true JPH01250111A (en) 1989-10-05

Family

ID=13622209

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP63077025A Pending JPH01250111A (en) 1988-03-30 1988-03-30 Unmanned carrier controller at intersection

Country Status (1)

Country Link
JP (1) JPH01250111A (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0462263U (en) * 1990-10-11 1992-05-28
JP2023163584A (en) * 2022-04-28 2023-11-10 楽天グループ株式会社 Unmanned vehicle, information processing method, program, and information processing system

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0462263U (en) * 1990-10-11 1992-05-28
JP2023163584A (en) * 2022-04-28 2023-11-10 楽天グループ株式会社 Unmanned vehicle, information processing method, program, and information processing system

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